Best Essential Oils for Allergies

There is an increase in the number of people with allergies. Finding the cure for such condition is not easy. Sneezing, headaches, having watery or itchy eyes, bleeding or a runny nose are some of the common symptoms. Others may have hives, feel nauseous and vomit.

There are some who are struggling with more serious allergies. This type of allergy resulted in inflammation that may cause shortness of breath or inability to breath. You might feel light-headed and may pass out, impaired vision, seizures, or even worst.

People with allergies are advised to avoid triggers. But with the changing weather, toxins around us, and our weak immune systems because of the food we eat this is not possible.

Good thing there are powerful essential oils. They are a natural and safe way to treat the symptoms of allergies and help improve the immune system. These oils can support the body chemically and help deal with the allergic reaction.

Top 5 Essential Oils for Allergies

Peppermint Oil

It is a native of the Mediterranean, but it is also growing in the USA, Great Britain, Japan, and Italy. Peppermint oil is a perennial herb that grows up to one meter high and has hairy serrated leaves. The flowers are pinkish-mauve arranged in a long conical shape.

The oil is extracted from the entire plant above ground but not in the flowering part. It is extracted using the steam distillation process from the fresh or partly dried plant.

Pros

It acts as an expectorant and gives relief for allergies, colds, coughs, asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis.

It can get rid of the main cause of allergic rhinitis like phlegm and swelling of airways. The oil is a relaxant and shows antispasmodic action that reduces the tightening that makes a person cough.

The oil has anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce the symptoms of chronic inflammatory disorders like bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis.

It is also very helpful in relieving general respiratory disorders like pneumonia, cholera, and tuberculosis.

It can blend well with other essential oils like benzoin, lemon, eucalyptus, rosemary, marjoram, and lavender.

Cons

It is non-toxic and non-irritant in low dilutions, but since it contains menthol user may experience sensitization.

Oil can irritate skin and mucous membrane and should be kept away from the eyes.

Peppermint oil should not be used on children below seven years old and on pregnant women.

How to Use?

Diffuse 5 drops of peppermint oil at home to unclog sinuses and get rid of itchy throat. It will help in relaxing your nasal muscles, to clear out mucus and allergens such as pollens.

In reducing inflammation, take one to two drops of pure peppermint oil internally once a day. You can add them in a glass of water, smoothie or cup of tea.

Topically you can apply it on your chest, temples, and back of the neck.

For those with sensitive skin, dilute peppermint oil with jojoba oil or coconut oil before applying it.

Eucalyptus Oil

This essential oil is a native of Australia where it is known as a cure-all by the Aborigines. There are around 300 species and 700 different types of eucalyptus. The trees are used to create wind and sun protection, to make paper and fuel, and even for fighting against malaria.

The root can absorb a huge amount of water. Because of this, it is planted in malaria infested areas to help dry up and clean the air and soil. The oil is produced in countries like Spain, South Africa, Chile, China, Russia, and Portugal.

The first eucalyptus oil was extracted in 1788 and was used in treating several respiratory system conditions like bronchitis, flu, cough, and asthma.

Pros

It opens up the lungs and sinuses, thus improves the circulation and reduces the symptoms of allergies.

It produces a cold sensation in the nose that improves airflow.

The citronella present in the oil is a good analgesic and anti-inflammatory.

It is also an effective expectorant that cleanses the body toxins and harmful microorganisms that act as allergens.

It is not safe to digest undiluted and can be fatal if taken in large amount.

How to Use?

Diffuse five drops of the oil at home to treat respiratory problems associated with allergies.

Apply in your temples and chest.

To clear the nasal passages and provides congestion relief, pour one cup boiling water into a bowl and add one to two drops of the oil. Then cover your head with a towel and inhale deeply for five to ten minutes.

Basil Oil

Basil oil comes from tropical Asia and the Pacific Islands, but it is now being cultivated in the USA and Europe. It comes from a hairy herb plant that grows up to one meter. Its flowers vary from white to pink. The oil has protective qualities and is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and the flowering tops.

Pros

It reduces the allergens inflammatory response.

It supports the adrenal glands, which are responsible for producing over 50 hormones that drive every bodily function.

The oil helps the body to react appropriately to a threat by pushing blood to your brain, muscles, and heart.

This essential oil helps detoxify the body of viruses and bacteria, as it fights inflammation, fatigue, and pain.

It has antimicrobial activity and can get rid of bacteria, mold, and yeast that can cause respiratory damage and asthma.

Cons

It can irritate a sensitive skin, be cautious in using basil oil if you have sensitive skin.

Pregnant women should avoid basil since it has emmenagogue properties.

How to Use?

Take one drop of this oil internally by adding it to salad, soup or any other dish to fight inflammation and control the overreaction of the immune system when exposed to the allergen.

Dilute two to three drops of basil oil with coconut oil and apply to the back of the neck, temples, and chest to support the respiratory system.

Tea Tree Oil

This essential oil is extracted from a small tree that grows in New South Wales in Australia. It looks like cypress, with needle-like leaves and heads of sessile purplish or yellow flowers and grows to about 7 meters high and is abundant in marshy areas. Even if you cut the tree down, it will rise again and after two years you can cut it again.

The tree was grown in Australia where it is used for various medicinal purposes. During the World War II, the producers and cutter of the tree were exempted from military service so they can collect enough oil.

The sailor and soldier were given some as part of their kit, to treat infections and wounds. It is extracted from the twigs and leaves thru steam distillation.

Pros

This can destroy airborne pathogens that may cause allergies.

The tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that fight bacteria, fungi, and yeasts which can cause inflammation. It force the immune system to work hard.

The oil is also an effective antiseptic agent.

If applied to the skin, it can kill microorganisms and bacteria. You also can use this oil as a household cleaner to disinfect the house and get rid of allergens.

Cons

Never use the oil on deep wounds or near the ears, nose, eyes or internally.

How to Use?

When used topically for skin rashes and hives, add two to three drops to a clean cotton ball and apply on the affected area.

For those with sensitive skin, dilute the oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil.

Lemon Oil

The source of this essential oil are fresh lemon fruits. More precisely their peel. Using cold pressed extraction method we can get essence of lemon drop by drop.

Pros

This oil supports lymphatic system discard and helps in treating respiratory conditions.

It prevents the growth of bacteria and boosts the immune system.

If diffused at home, it can kill bacteria and get rid allergy triggers present in the air.

If you add one to two drops of lemon oil in your drinking water, it will help with pH balance. The water improves the immune system and detoxifies the body.

It invigorates the liver and removes the toxins that cause inflammation and an overactive immune system.

The lemon water also increases white blood cell production, which is essential for immune system because it helps protect the body.

Cons

Because of its high citral level, it may cause sensitivity and is phototoxic.

How to Use?

Add lemon into your laundry detergent, add some in the water and spray it on your sheets, carpets, couches, and curtains.

Final Words

These essential oils are very effective in treating the cause of allergies. However, there are things that you need to keep in mind when using these oils. An example is the tea tree oil, you should not take it orally. Tea tree oil is for aromatic or topical use only.

Some of these oils require a carrier oil before you apply it on your sensitive skin. A few drops of these essential oils can go a long way. If find this post helpful to you, feel free to share this with others.

You might also like

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About Me

Naturalist, Blogger
Hi, my name is Elena Flores. I'm a host of this website. My philosophy is that nature can give us everything for health and beauty, and I'm trying to share this ideas upon the world.Read more